USOO7465864B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7.465,864 B2 Heintz (45) Date of Patent: Dec. 16, 2008

(54) TRAINING DEVICE 2,504,547 A 4/1950 Legler WITH MULTIPLE MOUTHPIECES 3,224,315 A 12, 1965 Guinness ...... 84,383 R 3,451,302 A 6, 1969 Lamart ...... 84/.465 (75) Inventor: David G. Heintz, Pike, NH (US) 3,853,034 A 12, 1974 Vale ...... 84.465 4,304,166 A 12/1981 Stefano et al. rsr rr 4,378,724. A 4, 1983 Lamart ...... 84.465 (73) Assignee: Clarflupet, LLC, Pike, NH (US) 4,658,697 A * 4, 1987 Wean ...... 84.465

(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 39. 3.18. Busschon.2. III et al. patent is extended or adjusted under 35 6,924,424 B2 8/2005 Seuta, Jr. et al. U.S.C. 154(b) by 78 days. 2006/0156897 A1 7/2006 Abernathy (21) Appl. No.: 11/582,174 * cited by examiner 1-1. Primary Examiner Jeffrey Donels (22) Filed: Oct. 17, 2006 Assistant Examiner Christopher Uhlir (65) Prior Publication Data (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm McLane, Graf, Raulerson & Middleton, P.A.; Scott C. Rand US 2008/OO87159 A1 Apr. 17, 2008 (57) ABSTRACT (51) Int. Cl. G09B I5/00 (2006.01) A musical instrument training device, system, and method are GIOF I./22 (2006.01) provided for teaching a plurality of wind instrument embou (52) U.S. Cl...... 84/470 R. 84/2; 84/93; chures. The instrument includes an elongate body having first 84/330: 84/380 R; 84/387 R. 84/398 end and a second end opposite the first end and defining an (58) Field of Classification Search ...... 842, internal extending longitudinally between the first and 84793, 330, 38O R. 386. 398 399. 450, 470 R second ends. A single- instrument mouthpiece is coupled See application file for complete search history. to the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, a lateral (56) References Cited flute embouchure tone hole is formed in the wall of the elon U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS gate body. 2,146,179 A * 2/1939 Fitchhorn ...... 84,383 R 19 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets

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FIG.8 US 7.465,864 B2 1. 2 MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TRAINING DEVICE end opposite the first end, the elongate body defining an WITH MULTIPLE MOUTHPIECES internal bore extending longitudinally between the first and second ends. A single-reed instrument mouthpiece is coupled BACKGROUND to the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece is coupled to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, the The present disclosure relates to musical instruments and, elongate body includes a lateral tone hole formed in a wall of more particularly, to musical instrument instructional devices the elongate body. with multiple mouthpieces. The embodiments described In still another aspect, a method of teaching a student herein are particularly well Suited for use as an instrumental proper embouchures for playing a plurality of instruments teaching aid. 10 comprises providing a musical instrument training device Commonly, beginning instrumental music students select including an elongate body having first end and a second end an instrument for reasons which do not take into account opposite the first end, the elongate body defining an internal whether the instrument selected is an instrument for which bore extending longitudinally between the first and second the student is well suited. For example, some students select ends. A single-reed instrument mouthpiece coupled to the an instrument that their family already owns or that someone 15 first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece coupled to the in their family plays or once played. Others play what a friend second end. Optionally, a lateral tone hole is provided in a wants to play. Others may be attracted to an instrument based wall of the elongate body to provide a transverse flute mouth on appearance or sound. One drawback of Such methods for piece. For each mouthpiece, the musical instrument training selecting an instrument is that the instrument selected may be device is configured to produce a specific pitch when played one that the student finds difficult to play, or is otherwise not with a proper embouchure. The student is allowed to play the well Suited to play. In such cases, the student may feel that he musical instrument training device to produce a tone using or she lacks musical talent and lose interest in playing music, each mouthpiece. For each mouthpiece, the pitch of the tone even when the difficulty arises from an inadequate match produced by the student is compared to the specific pitch for between the student and instrument. each mouthpiece. In a preferred, more limited aspect, the Ideally, students would be given an opportunity to experi 25 elongate body includes a lateral tone hole formed in a wall of ence playing a variety of instruments before selecting a spe the elongate body. cific instrument for in-depth study. However, due to time, One advantage of the presently disclosed device is that it financial and logistical constraints, particularly in an elemen allows students to experience a plurality of wind instrument tary band or other School setting, it is typically not possible to embouchures before selecting an instrument for lessons or Supply a Sufficient number of instruments to give each student 30 beginning a band class. In this manner, the student is more an opportunity to do so. likely to select an instrument which is an appropriate match Accordingly, the present disclosure contemplates new and for the student. Because multiple instrument mouthpieces are improved musical instrument devices which overcome the provided on a single instrument, such training may be pro above-referenced problems and others. vided to each student on multiple instrument types without Although the present embodiments are described herein 35 the expense of obtaining multiple instruments. primarily for use as music instrument training devices or Another advantage of the present device resides in its abil teaching aids, it will be recognized that the embodiments ity to be used in a variety of settings including, without herein may be employed in connection with a myriad of limitation, single-session or longer exploratory courses, quar educational and other musical settings. ter-, semester-, or year-long curricular courses, and with a 40 variety of students including, without limitation, beginning or SUMMARY pre-band students, parents of band students, high School or college instrumental pedagogy students, and students with In one aspect, a musical instrument training device is pro special learning needs or physical handicaps, among others. vided having an elongate body having first end and a second Another advantage of the present development is found in end opposite the first end, the elongate body defining an 45 that it can be integrated with educational lessons or units on internal bore extending longitudinally between the first and percussion and other instrument techniques, rhythmic nota second ends. A single-reed instrument mouthpiece is coupled tion, performance, composition, improvisation, or the Science to the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece is coupled or physics of sound, among others. to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, the Other benefits and advantages of the present disclosure will device further includes a lateral tone hole formed in a wall of 50 become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading and the elongate body. understanding of the preferred embodiments. In another aspect, a kit having component parts capable of being packaged in a disassembled or partially disassembled BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS form and of being assembled into a musical instrument train ing device having a plurality of wind instrument mouthpiece 55 The invention may take form in various components and types is provided. The kit includes an elongate body having arrangements of components, and in various steps and first end and a second end opposite the first end. The elongate arrangements of steps. The drawings, wherein like reference body defines an internal bore extending longitudinally numerals are used for like components throughout the several between the first and second ends. The kit also includes a views, are only for purposes of illustrating preferred embodi single-reed instrument mouthpiece adapted to be coupled to 60 ments and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. the first end and a brass instrument mouthpiece adapted to be FIG. 1 is a side view of a musical instrument training coupled to the second end. In a preferred, more limited aspect, device in accordance with a first exemplary embodiment. the elongate body includes a lateral tone hole formed in a wall FIG. 2 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view of of the elongate body. the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 with the reed removed, In yet another aspect, a musical instrument training system 65 taken along the lines 2-2 in FIG. 1. comprises a plurality of musical instrument training devices, FIG. 3 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view each including an elongate body having first end and a second taken along the lines 3-3 in FIG. 1. US 7.465,864 B2 3 4 FIG. 4 is an enlarged, fragmentary cross-sectional view screw 131 may be rotated in a second direction to loosen the taken along the lines 4-4 in FIG. 1. reed, e.g., for removing the reed from the reed mouthpiece FIG. 5 is a fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment 122. employing a single-reed mouthpiece having an integral liga With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the base portion 24 ture. of the mouthpiece 22 may be removably received within the FIG. 6 is fragmentary view of an alternative embodiment opening 20, for example, via a frictional fit. Optionally, a employing a traditional brass instrument mouthpiece. sealing ring or annular gasket 25. Such as a layer of cork or FIG. 7 is an exemplary embodiment of a kit or system other resilient material, may be provided on the outer surface which may advantageously be used for teaching a class of of the base 24 and/or the interior-facing surface of the open students. 10 ing 20 to provide a secure, airtight fit between the base portion FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further embodiment 24 and the opening 20. Alternatively, the base portion 24 may instrument device having both a single-reed instrument be permanently secured within the opening 20, e.g., via an mouthpiece and a brass instrument mouthpiece integrally formed with the elongate body. adhesive. In another alternative embodiment, the mouthpiece 15 22 may be integrally formed with the pipe 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED The tube 16 may be formed of a plastic pipe material, such as PVC or CPVC. The first end 12 may include a pipe fitting EMBODIMENTS 36 of a size adapted to receive the single-reed mouthpiece 22. Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, there is shown a first embodi Alternatively, other materials may be used for the elongate ment musical instrument training device 10 having a first end body 16 and/or fitting 36, including without limitation plastic, 12 and a second end 14 opposite the first end. The device 10 wood, metal or metal alloy, and so forth. includes an elongate pipe or tube 16 defining a hollow bore or The mouthpiece 22 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is preferably channel 18. The tube 16 and internal bore 18 are preferably a standard Soprano (e.g., Bb) mouthpiece and will be cylindrical although other geometric configurations are con described herein primarily by way of reference thereto. How templated. 25 ever, it will be recognized that the musical instrument training device disclosed herein may be adapted for use with any other The first end 12 of the device 10 includes an opening 20 single-reed wind instrument mouthpiece, such as mouth sized to receive a single-reed wind instrument mouthpiece 22. pieces for other members of the clarinet family, the saxo The mouthpiece 22 includes a base 24 received within the phone family, and the like. opening 20. The mouthpiece 22 includes an opening 26 and 30 an internal chamber 28 in fluid communication with the inter The device 10 additionally includes a brass mouthpiece 38. nal bore 18. A ligature 30 circumscribes the mouthpiece and As used herein, the terms “brass mouthpiece' or “brass removably secures a reed 32, which may be formed of natural instrument mouthpiece' are intended to refer to any generally cane or a synthetic material, against a flattened or table por cup-shaped mouthpiece of a type employed for playing instruments of the brass family, irrespective of the material tion 34 closely over the opening 26 when the instrument 10 is 35 to be played in the manner of a single-reed instrument. When from which the mouthpiece and/or the instrument is made. the device 10 is played using the single-reed instrument Thus, the mouthpiece 38 may be any cup-shaped mouthpiece mouthpiece 22, the player's breath causes the reed 32 to that can be played by vibrating or buzzing the lips there vibrate, which in turn causes the air in the bore 18 to vibrate against in order to cause vibration of the air within the interior bore 18 and to thereby produce a sound. The brass mouth and produce a sound. 40 The ligature 30 may be selectively secured and released by piece may be removably attached to the elongate body portion alternately tightening and loosening thumb screws 31. As or may be permanently attached or integral to the elongate used herein, the term “ligature' is intended to refer generally body. to any fastener for securing the reed in position over the In operation, when played using the brass instrument opening in the mouthpiece and may be of a type that is 45 mouthpiece 38, the reed 32 is preferably removed from the removable from the mouthpiece, or, may be of a type that is mouthpiece 22 to allow air to exit the opening 26, although a integral or permanently attached to the mouthpiece. The liga tone may still be produced when the mouthpiece 38 is played ture 30 is exemplary only and it will be recognized that other with the reed 32 in place on the mouthpiece 22. types of ligatures may be employed as well, including without As best seen in FIGS. 1-3, the mouthpiece 38 may be of the limitation the alternative ligatures shown and described 50 same type as the fitting 36 provided at the end 12 for receiving herein and any other known or conventional single-reed the reed mouthpiece 22. In this manner, the instrument may mouthpiece ligatures. be constructed inexpensively and in facile manner from a Referring now to FIG. 5, there is shown in fragmentary length of plastic pipe having a pipe fitting at each end, and a view a first end 112 of an alternative embodiment device 110 standard clarinet or other single-reed mouthpiece. In a pre having a single-reed instrument mouthpiece 122. The alter 55 ferred embodiment, the tube 16 may be formed of a length of nate mouthpiece 122 includes an integrally-formed ligature commercially available /2-inch diameter plastic pipe and the 130 in place of the conventional ligature 30 appearing in the fitting 36 and mouthpiece 38 may each be a commercially embodiment of FIG. 1. The integral ligature 130 includes a available /2-inch to 4-inch plastic pipe coupling. The cou longitudinally extending slot or channel 133 for slidingly plings 36 and 38 may be attached at the first and second ends receiving the butt end 39 of the reed 32 and a set or thumb 60 12 and 14, respectively, via an adhesive Such as plastic pipe screw 131 for securing the reed in place on the mouthpiece. Cement. The set screw 131 includes a threaded shaft 135 which rotat Referring now to FIG. 6, there appears an alternative ably engages a complimentary tapped opening 137 in the embodiment device 210 having a conventional brass instru ligature portion 130. The set screw 131 may be rotated in a ment mouthpiece 238, Such as a traditional trumpet, cornet, or first direction to cause it to bear against the butt end 39 of the 65 trombone mouthpiece as an alternative to the mouthpiece 38 reed32 and thereby secure the reed32 in place, e.g., when the of FIGS. 1-4. The mouthpiece 238 is received coaxially unit is to be played using the reed mouthpiece 122. The set within the second end 214 of the pipe 16. The mouthpiece 238 US 7.465,864 B2 5 6 may be permanently affixed within the end 214 of the pipe 16, with a reedless clarinet mouthpiece 22 at the first end 12, the e.g., via an adhesive, or, may be removably secured therein, device will produce the noteb". e.g., via a friction fit. The device 10 is appropriate for use with all manner of Referring again to FIGS. 1-4, the device 10, as illustrated, students ranging from children to adults. For example, the additionally includes a lateral embouchure hole or tone hole device may be used with beginning band students who have 40 formed in the tube member 16 intermediate the first end 12 yet to select an instrument for in-depth study for the purpose and the second end 14. The depicted tone hole 40 is circular, of identifying an instrument or instrument family that would however, other tone hole shapes, such as oval and others, are be a good match for each individual student. Likewise, the contemplated. The tone hole 40 is adapted to be played in the device could be used by college music students, who gener manner of a transverse or side-blown flute, such as a concert 10 ally must achieve a basic level of proficiency on a variety of flute, piccolo, or other member of the transverse flute family. instruments. Using the device 10, Such students can conve The tone hole 40 is preferably formed near the first end 12. niently practice a variety of instrument types, including In operation, when the device 10 is played transversely using instrument types that they may not own without the need for the tone hole 40, the reed 32 is preferably removed from the locating an instrument which may have limited availability. mouthpiece 22, although a tone may also be produced with 15 Furthermore, the simplicity of the device makes it ideal for the reed 32 in place. use by many students with learning disabilities as well as Although the present development is shown and described those with certain physical handicaps who might otherwise primarily by way of reference to the preferred embodiment be unable to play a more complicated traditional instrument. having the lateral tone hole 40, alternative embodiments (not The present device 10 may be provided in the form of a kit shown) are contemplated wherein the lateral tone hole 40 is wherein the individual components for constructing the appa omitted. In Such embodiments, the training device may be ratus 10 may be provided disassembled or partially disas used as an instructional aid for single-reed and brass wind sembled. instruments. With continued reference to FIGS. 1-4, the device 10 Although the present apparatus is primarily a teaching aid, advantageously allows music students to experience and 25 it will be recognized that the devices could also be used for develop proper embouchure formation for brass, reed, and musical performances, including performance of single note transverse wind instruments. Students can focus their atten compositions or improvisations. Also, the size of the devices tion on producing one pitch properly using each type of 10 may be varied to produce a desired pitch and a kit com mouthpiece. The device 10 may also be used to teach hand prising a tuned set of devices may be provided. For example, positions when the reed and flute mouthpieces are employed. 30 a set of devices may be provided wherein each is tuned to a Additionally, the device can be used to teach articulation different note. Such a set may include the notes of a particular techniques, proper posture and breath support for each of the scale, including without limitation pentatonic, diatonic, and three types of wind instruments. In particularly preferred chromatic scales, etc., or the notes otherwise required to play embodiments, the dimensions of the instrument can be one or more musical pieces. Such a tuned set of devices may selected Such that each mouthpiece, when played properly, 35 be used for ensemble playing, with each player in the will produce some predetermined pitch, preferably a refer ensemble being assigned one or more devices having a par ence or standard . In this manner, the student can ticular pitch to be played at appropriate times. compare the pitch produced with the device 10 with the In a further embodiment, a set of identical devices 10, for predetermined pitch, e.g., using an or by example, from about 10-30, may be provided for a program of comparing the pitch produced to a reference pitch tuned to the 40 instruction for a class of students. Such a program may range predetermined pitch, Such as a pitch pipe, piano, , from one day to a semester or year-long course. Referring electronic tone generator, or the like. The devices can also be now to FIG. 7, there is shown a system or kit 50 adapted for used for single note playing and improvisation, rhythmic classroom instruction. The kit 50 includes a cart 52 having a training and notation studies, and so forth. frame or body 54. The frame 54 advantageously includes In especially preferred embodiment, the device 10 may 45 wheels or casters 56 for ease of transport and a top surface 58. advantageously employ an elongate body 16 fabricated from The top surface may service as a table top and may be used for /2-inch diameter plastic pipe which is 20% inches in length, placement of the reeds 32 when not in use and other objects. a brass mouthpiece 38 and a reed mouthpiece fitting 36 each The table top 58 includes a plurality of cutout regions 60 fabricated from a conventional /2-inch to 3/4-inch diameter spaced about the periphery of the top 58, each cutout 60 plastic pipe coupling at the ends 14 and 12. Such a construc 50 adapted to removably receive and suspend one of devices 10. tion, when played with a traditional clarinet mouthpiece 22, A skirt or apron 62, shown partially removed in FIG. 7 for will produce the concert pitch c when played properly with ease of exposition, may be secured about the periphery of the the tone hole 40 closed. The tone hole may be covered with table 58, e.g., using hook and loop fasteners 64, to retain the the players thumb (or, in an alternative dual-mouthpiece devices 10 within the slots 60 for transport or storage. The embodiment wherein the tone hole is omitted). The device 55 frame 54 may additionally include storage shelves 66 and will also produce the note b' (approximately) when played additional storage compartments 68, 70. For example, the with the clarinet mouthpiece 22 and with the tone hole 40 shelves and/or storage compartments may be used to store open. other instruments or materials included in the course of study. When played using the trumpet mouthpiece 38 with a For example, the depicted kit 50 additionally includes a set of reedless clarinet mouthpiece and with the tone hole 40 cov 60 drum sticks 72 and practice pads 74 which may be used to ered (or omitted), the device 10 constructed as detailed above additionally provide percussion instruction. A handle 76 may will produce the notes G, d, and g naturally in its be provided for maneuvering the cart 50. The frame 54 may series. advantageously be formed of plastic pipe and fittings, When a device 10 constructed as described above is pro although other materials are contemplated. Each of the vided with a 3/8-inch diameter tone hole 40 having its center 65 devices 10 may have numerical or other indicia 78 identifying positioned approximately 27/16 inches from the first end 12 of the instrument or associating a given instrument 10 with a the pipe 16 and properly played using the flute mouthpiece 40 particular student in a class. US 7.465,864 B2 7 8 Although the present device 10 has been described prima 7. The device of claim 2, further comprising one or both of: rily herein by way of reference the presently preferred said single-reed instrument mouthpiece being a traditional embodiment which may be readily constructed from standard clarinet mouthpiece; and pipe and pipe fittings and a traditional clarinet mouthpiece, it said brass instrument mouthpiece being a traditional trum will be recognized that either or both of the brass mouthpiece 5 pet mouthpiece. 38 and the clarinet mouthpiece 22 may be integrally formed 8. The device of claim 2, further comprising: with the pipe 16, e.g., via a molding and/or machining pro said elongate body, said single-reed instrument mouth cess. In certain embodiments, the tube 16, brass mouthpiece piece, and said brass instrument mouthpiece being inte (e.g., mouthpieces 38 or 238) and clarinet mouthpiece (e.g., grally formed. mouthpieces 22 or 122) may be integrally formed (e.g., via a 10 9. The device of claim 2, further comprising: molding and/or machining process) with the tube 16 to form said single-reed instrument mouthpiece having a ligature an integral or monolithic unit. for removably attaching a reed, said ligature selected In alternative embodiments, the instruments described from a removable annular band and an integrally formed herein may be modified such that either or both of the reed ligature having a longitudinally extending slot for mouthpiece and the brass instrument mouthpiece may be 15 receiving a reed. integrally formed with the elongate body portion. For 10. A kit having component parts capable of being pack example, in FIG. 8 there is depicted an exemplary instrument aged in a disassembled or partially disassembled form and of 310 having both a reed mouthpiece 322 and a brass instru being assembled into a musical instrument training device ment mouthpiece 338 integrally formed with an elongate having a plurality of wind instrument mouthpiece types, said body portion 316. An optional tone hole 40 is provided on the kit comprising: elongate body portion 316. An integral or permanently an elongate body having first end and a second end oppo attached ligature portion 330 includes a slot or opening 333 site the first end, said elongate body defining an internal for receiving the butt end 39 of the reed 32. A set screw 331 bore extending longitudinally between said first and sec includes a threaded rod portion 335 rotatably engaging a ond ends; complimentary tapped opening 337 in the ligature portion 25 one of: (a) a single-reed instrument mouthpiece integrally 330. The set screw 331 is rotatable in opposite directions for coupled to said first end; and (b) a single-reedinstrument alternately securing and removing the reed 32 from the mouthpiece adapted to be removably coupled to said mouthpiece 322. first end; and The invention has been described with reference to the one of: (a) a brass instrument mouthpiece integrally preferred embodiments. Obviously, modifications and alter 30 coupled to said second end; and (b) a brass instrument ations will occur to others upon reading and understanding mouthpiece adapted to be removably coupled to said the preceding detailed description. It is intended that the second end. invention be construed as including all such modifications 11. A musical instrument training system, comprising: and alterations insofar as they come within the scope of the a plurality of musical instrument training devices, each of appended claims or the equivalents thereof. 35 said musical instrument training devices including: Having thus described the preferred embodiments, the an elongate body having first end and a second end oppo invention is now claimed to be: site the first end, said elongate body defining an internal 1. A musical instrument training device, comprising: bore extending longitudinally between said first and sec an elongate body having first end and a second end oppo ond ends; site the first end, said elongate body defining an internal 40 a single-reed instrument mouthpiece coupled to said first bore extending longitudinally between said first and sec end; and ond ends; a brass instrument mouthpiece coupled to said second end. a single-reed instrument mouthpiece coupled to said first 12. The system of claim 11, further comprising: end; and a cart for storage of said plurality of musical instrument a brass instrument mouthpiece coupled to said second end. 45 training devices. 2. The device of claim 1, further comprising: 13. The system of claim 12, further comprising: a lateral embouchure hole formed in a wall of said elongate said cart including a frame, a plurality of wheels attached to body. the frame, and a platform connected to the top of the 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising: frame, said platform including a plurality of receptacles said elongate body being formed of a plastic material; and 50 spaced about its periphery for receiving said plurality of said brass instrument mouthpiece being separately formed musical instrument training devices. from a material selected from a plastic, metal, or metal 14. The system of claim 13, wherein the number of musical alloy. instrument training devices is greater than or equal to a num 4. The device of claim 2, further comprising: ber of students in a class of students to be trained. a fitting attached to said first end of said elongate body, said 55 15. The system of claim 13, further comprising: fitting defining an opening, said opening sized to receive indicia on each of said musical instrument training devices a portion of said single-reedinstrument mouthpiece; and for one or both of identifying each one of said musical optionally, an annular sealing member for providing a seal instrument training devices and associating each of said ing engagement between said opening and the received plurality of musical instrument training devices with a portion of said single-reed instrument mouthpiece. 60 particular student. 5. The device of claim 4, wherein said annular sealing 16. The system of claim 11, further comprising: member is formed of cork. each of said plurality of musical instrument training 6. The device of claim 2, further comprising one or both of: devices having the same pitch. said elongate body and said single-reed instrument mouth 17. The system of claim 11, further comprising: piece being integrally formed; and 65 said plurality of musical instrument training devices com said elongate body and said brass instrument mouthpiece prising a tuned set of musical instrument training being integrally formed. devices having different pitches. US 7.465,864 B2 10 18. A method of teaching a student proper embouchures for for each mouthpiece, allowing the student to play said playing a plurality of instruments, comprising: musical instrument training device to produce a tone; providing a musical instrument training device including and an elongate body having first end and a second end opposite the first end, said elongate body defining an for each mouthpiece, comparing the pitch of the tone pro internal bore extending longitudinally between said first duced by the student to said predetermined pitch. and second ends; a single-reed instrument mouthpiece 19. The device of claim 2, further comprising: coupled to said first end; and a brass instrument mouth said single-reed instrument mouthpiece having an inte piece coupled to said second end; and, optionally, a lateral embouchure hole formed in a wall of said elon grally formed ligature having a longitudinally extending gate body and forming a transverse mouthpiece; 10 slot for receiving a reed. for each mouthpiece, said musical instrument training device configured to produce a predetermined pitch when played with a proper embouchure;